After sunset, there is no lack of activities to enjoy in Tokyo. Sightseeing, dining or just chilling out, there is always something for everyone to do. Below are some recommended activities:

Night views

As dusk falls, the sprawling metropolis of Tokyo transforms into a city of bright lights. Many observation decks in towers and tall buildings open until around 22:00, providing great vantage points for lovely night views. Recommended observation decks are those at the Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Roppongi Hills and Shibuya Sky.

In addition, several skyscrapers house restaurants on their top floors from where diners can simultaneously enjoy good food and good views of the city. Although usually on the high-end side, top floor restaurants are an especially good way of seeing the city views at night after other observation decks close. Some notable districts where top floor restaurants are common include Marunouchi, Shiodome and Shinjuku.

Another unique way to enjoy the night scenery is to take a boat cruise and enjoy the waterfront scenery. Several operators offer 2-3 hour cruises along Tokyo Bay, with prices starting from 8,000 yen with dinner or 4,000 to 5,000 yen without.

Food

Dining is probably the most heavily indulged in night activity. All over the city, various types of dining establishments can be found, from humble shokudo to a wide range of izakaya and posh three-star Michelin restaurants. It is impossible to categorize dining locations because they are ubiquitous, but here are some suggested destinations:

Asakusa offers many old-fashioned izakaya with an authentic, down-to-earth, traditional Japanese feel. Shinjuku, Shiodome and the Tokyo Station area have many high-rise buildings with top floor restaurants which make for great places to enjoy a meal and indulge in the night scenery at the same time. Yurakucho has a lively restaurant district built up under the brick arches beneath the elevated train tracks of the JR Yamanote Line.

To experience something unique, visit one of the plethora of themed restaurants in Tokyo, such as a ninja-themed one in Akasaka, a vampire-themed cafe in Ginza and maid cafes in Akihabara.

Museums and theme parks

Museums usually close around 17:00 and are thus not suitable night destinations in general, although some have extended hours on selected evenings, typically on Fridays and Saturdays. There are also a few museums and aquariums that generally close later, like the Mori Museum, Sumida Aquarium, Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa and Sunshine Aquarium.

Disneyland and DisneySea are open until around 22:00 on most nights and offer discounted tickets for entry from the late afternoon. Visit the official website for park operation times.

Tokyo Dome City also offers a discounted night pass for its attractions after 17:00. The attractions operate until 21:00. Another destination to consider is Tokyo Joypolis at Odaiba, an indoor amusement park that is open daily until around 20:00.

Nightlife districts

Tokyo's best known nightlife districts are Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza and Roppongi:

Northeast of Shinjuku Station lies Kabukicho, Japan's largest red light district, with hundreds of hostess clubs, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and massage parlors. Large bill boards and neon signs brightly light the streets. The district is generally safe but adult shops and posters of scantily clad women are not uncommon. Most establishments in Kabukicho target a Japanese clientele, and some charge expensive cover fees. Located in one corner of Kabukicho, Golden Gai is an old-fashioned district of narrow alleys with many small bars.

Shibuya commands a younger local audience, who patronize the numerous nightclubs, bars, dance lounges and restaurants that it has to offer. Shibuya is also home to the Love Hotel Hill with a high concentration of love hotels. Shibuya is somewhat less seedy and more easily accessible to foreign tourists without Japanese language knowledge than Kabukicho.

Ginza is the premium upmarket district, featuring fine dining restaurants, chic bars and night clubs, as well as upscale host and hostess bars. Expect hefty bills. Note that some establishments are rather exclusive and not easily accessible to foreign visitors without Japanese language skills.

Roppongi is the most accessible nightlife district for foreign tourists. A large concentration of foreign-friendly nightclubs, bars and restaurants can be found in the area. Although generally safe, there have been increasing reports of vice and bad practices at Roppongi, such as exorbitant hidden fees charged by bars and clubs, aggressive touting, spiked drinks and fights.

Night walk

An evening stroll on the streets of Tokyo could be a great way to see the city after dusk. The temple precincts of Sensoji at Asakusa are charming at night with dimly illuminated lanterns. The main hall closes at 17:00, but the temple grounds are always open and are popular among tourists at night.

Those looking for a quiet moment may consider the waterfront area of Odaiba, which presents an opportunity for a nice walk in the sea breeze, with views of the illuminated Rainbow Bridge. Those looking for some vibrancy in the night but are not interested in clubs or pubs can still walk through the streets of Shinjuku, Ginza or Shibuya and enjoy the myriad of neon lights.

Onsen

Thanks to modern drilling technologies, Tokyo offers several large hot spring establishments with a wide selections of baths, relaxation, dining and entertainment options. They are like onsen theme parks, where visitors pay an entrance fee and are free to dip in any of the hot spring pools as many times as they wish. These hot spring establishments usually open late and are great places to rejuvenate after a day of touring the city.

  • LaQua
    Hours: Daily 11:00am to 9:00am the next morning
    Closed: A small number of irregular closing days
    Admission: 3230 yen (extra fee on weekends, holidays and after 1am)

Other entertainment

Tokyo hosts an amazing range of cultural performances at a countless number of concert halls and theater venues. Throughout the year, international and domestic concerts, recitals, drama and art festivals of every genre can be found on show.

Other forms of night entertainment include game centers, cinemas and karaoke. Sports entertainment facilities, such as Round 1, offer a wide variety of sports and games under one roof. Many of these establishments open until late at night and feature sports, games and entertainment, including bowling, darts, billiards, table tennis, karaoke and more.

Shopping

Most department stores and shops close around 20:00. Malls in some districts such as Odaiba and Shibuya generally close slightly later at 21:00. Large electronics stores like Yamada Denki, Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera often remain open until 22:00.

Winter illuminations

Seasonal illuminations around Christmas have become a popular attraction in cities across Japan. Illuminations are typically displayed from around November to around Christmas or New Year, while some are kept up until Valentine's Day in February. For more information about popular illumination spots in Tokyo, please visit our winter illumination page.

Hotels around Tokyo

    • SAKE Bar Hotel Asakusa
      A boutique hotel with free-flowing Japanese sake, two-minutes from Asakusa Station. Savor our original sake while relaxing with an open-air footbath.
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    • Mokkoan
      Budget-friendly
      Featuring free WiFi and a hot tub, Mokkoan offers accommodation in Kita Ward, Tokyo. Private parking is available on site. Every room comes with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Certain units have a seating area where you can relax. For your comfort, you will find slippers and free toiletries. You will find a shared kitchen at the property. The guest house also offers free use of bicycles. Yokohama is 37 km from Mokkoan, while Chiba is 41 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 24 km from Mokkoan.
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    • 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe
      Budget-friendly
      Conveniently set in the Edogawa district of Tokyo, 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe is situated 1.3 km from Furukawa Shinsui Park, 1.5 km from Gyosen Park and 1.6 km from Ukita Park. The 2-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is located 700 metres from Subway Museum. The rooms in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. All units will provide guests with a fridge. Shin Nagashima River Shinsui Park is 1.7 km from 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe, while Former House of Udagawa Family is 2.6 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 22 km from the accommodation.
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    • cyashitsu ryokan asakusa
      Mid-range
      Situated in Tokyo, 300 metres from Asakusa Fujiasama Shrine and 7.5 km from the centre, cyashitsu ryokan asakusa features air-conditioned accommodation with free WiFi, and an open-air bath. This 3-star ryokan offers a lift and full-day security. The ryokan has a hot tub and luggage storage space. At the ryokan, the units come with a wardrobe. Each unit has a safety deposit box and some rooms include city views. The units are equipped with heating facilities. At the ryokan, the family-friendly restaurant is open for dinner and specialises in Japanese cuisine. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area. Popular points of interest near cyashitsu ryokan asakusa include Nitenmon Gate, Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Center and Hozomon Gate. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 24 km from the accommodation.
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    • Kaminarimon Ryokan
      Luxury
      Kaminarimon Ryokan offers accommodation with free WiFi. The rooms are air-conditioned and come with a flat-screen TV, fridge and Nespresso coffee machine. An electric kettle, a green tea set and free toiletries are provided. The hotel offers laundry service for an additional fee. Kaminarimon Ryokan is a 2-minute walk to the Asakusa Metro Station. From there, destinations like Akihabara, Ginza and Ueno are a 15-minute subway ride away. There are many dining options and convenience stores within a few minutes' walk from the hotel.
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    • Ryokan Nakadaya
      Budget-friendly
      Situated in Tokyo, within 1.5 km of Sensoji Temple and 2.2 km of Tokyo Skytree, Ryokan Nakadaya offers accommodation with a shared lounge. The property is set 3.5 km from Edo Tokyo Museum, 6 km from Marunouchi Building and 6 km from Yasukuni Shrine. Free WiFi is available. The units in the inn are equipped with a flat-screen TV. Each room is equipped with a shared bathroom. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 19 km from the property.
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    • The Okura Tokyo
      Luxury
      Composed of 2 buildings, The Okura Tokyo boasts a garden and bar. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi. The accommodation features a concierge, ticket service and currency exchange for guests. All rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a fridge, kettle and flat-screen TV with satellite channels. All guest rooms have a private bathroom with a bath, hairdryer, bidet and free toiletries. Located on 28-40 floors, Prestige Tower offers rooms with cityscape views. Guests booking room type with Club Lounge Access in Heritage Wing can enjoy Club Lounge. Spacious rooms in Heritage Wing include complimentary welcome drink, steam sauna and spa bath. Guests at the hotel can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Popular points of interest near The Okura Tokyo include Iino Hall and Conference Centre, National Diet Building and Space FS Shiodome. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International, 22 km from the hotel, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
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    • ulu Tokyo
      Luxury
      Attractively located in the Koto Ward district of Tokyo, ulu Tokyo is set 500 metres from Shibusawa Eiichi Taku Monument, 700 metres from Site of Mutsu Munemitsu Residence and 500 metres from Shinkawa Historic Place Monument. The 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is situated 700 metres from Monument of Electric Experiment at Hiraga Gennai. The rooms at the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV and a kitchen. Ulu Tokyo features some rooms with city views, and all rooms are equipped with a balcony. At the accommodation rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near ulu Tokyo include Masago Monument, Bank of Japan Origin Place Monument and Takao Inari Shrine. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 17 km from the hotel.
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    • ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA
      Budget-friendly
      Ideally situated in the centre of Tokyo, ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA is within 400 metres of Origami Kaikan and 500 metres of TKP Garden City Premium Akihabara. The property is close to several well-known attractions, 500 metres from Yushima Seido, 400 metres from EDO Culture Complex and 500 metres from Ochanomizu Park. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service, room service and free WiFi throughout the property. All rooms in the hotel are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kitchen, a dining area, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a bidet, free toiletries and a hairdryer. At ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA the rooms include bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kamezumiinari Shrine, Akihabara Neribei Park and Yushima Goryo Shrine. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 21 km from ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA.
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    • Hotel Gajoen Tokyo
      Luxury
      Boasting chic decor with touches of Japanese traditional aethetics, Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. 7 dining options are featured, and free parking is available on site. JR Meguro Station is 6 minutes on foot and Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum is a 12-minute stroll. Free WiFi is provided throughout. All spacious rooms rooms include a satellite TV with cable channels, minibar, a coffee machine and handy smartphone. An en suite bathroom is fitted with a spa bath, free toiletries and hairdryer. For your comfort, some rooms include a sauna. Guests can unwind in a Japanese-style garden or at a library on site The front desk is open for 24 hours a day, and there are a pastry shop and gift shop at the property. Massage services and room services can be arranged. Shunyuki serves signature Chinese delicacies, while Tofutei offers an authentic Japanese kaiseki multi-course meal. Teppanyaki Japanese wagyu beed, American-style grilled dishes and Italian cuisine can be sampled on site. Live piano performance can also be enjoyed at an on-site cafe lounge in the day time. JR Shibuya Station is a 5-minute train ride, while JR Shinagawa Station is 8 minutes by train from Hotel Gajoen Tokyo. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 10 km away.
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    • Tokyo Hikari Guesthouse
      Budget-friendly
      The cosy Tokyo Hikari Guesthouse offers private rooms and dorm beds, only a 1-minute walk from Kuramae Subway Station. It also features a shared lounge with WiFi/wired internet, tea and cooking facilities, all for free. A washing machine with detergent can be used free of charge. Rooms are air-conditioned and come with extra-long beds. Linens are changed every 3 nights. Bathrooms and toilets are shared, a shared hairdryer is provided free of charge and bath towels are available with an extra charge. Open from October 2014, Tokyo Hikari has a small, sunny garden. Luggage storage is available. Guesthouse Tokyo Hikari is a 15-minute walk from Asakusa.
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Experiences around Tokyo

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